If you want one machine that answers most questions, the EUHOMY 100 lbs/24H commercial ice maker is our best overall pick: it pushes up to 100 pounds of cube ice a day into a 33 pound storage bin, carries an ETL certification for both household and commercial use, and drains by gravity rather than relying on a pump. It is a freestanding stainless steel unit, so plan on a garage, basement, or wet bar rather than a tight 15 inch kitchen cabinet.
That distinction matters more than any spec on the spec sheet. An undercounter ice maker is not a bigger version of a countertop bullet machine. It is a plumbed appliance that feeds water from a supply line, freezes it on an evaporator plate, harvests it, and stores it in an insulated bin that is not a freezer. The machine keeps running, the bin keeps filling, and meltwater leaves through a drain.
We spent the last several weeks reading specification sheets, install manuals, and owner feedback across twelve undercounter machines, and we cross-checked the plumbing rules against installer specifications. This guide covers residential built-ins, commercial-grade machines, and the drainless options that skip plumbing altogether, so you can match a machine to the space you actually have instead of the space in the product photo.
Last updated: October 2026
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Undercounter Ice Makers (October 2026)
EUHOMY 100 lbs/24H Commerci…
- Up to 100 lbs per 24 hours
- 33 lb built-in bin
- ETL certified for home and commercial use
- Stainless steel body
EUHOMY 15 Inch Under Counte…
- 90 lbs per 24 hours
- 24 lb storage container
- 14.96 inch width for standard cabinets
- Reversible stainless door
VEVOR 100 lbs/24h Commercia…
- 100 lbs per 24 hours
- 30 lb maximum bin
- 36 cubes in 8-10 minutes
- LED display with self-cleaning
Best Undercounter Ice Makers by Category
Best overall: EUHOMY 100 lbs/24H commercial ice maker – 100 pounds of daily output, a 33 pound bin and a one-year manufacturer warranty make it the most complete package here, with gravity drainage as the only catch.
Best for a 15 inch cabinet: EUHOMY 15 inch under counter ice maker – At 14.96 inches wide with 90 pounds per day and a 24 pound bin, it slides into a standard opening that most built-ins overflow.
Best budget high-output: VEVOR 100 lbs/24h ice maker – 36 cubes in 8 to 10 minutes, a 30 pound maximum bin and front-vented stainless construction, though no water filter comes in the box.
Best for pool houses and basements: EdgeStar IB450SSP 50 lb/day clear ice maker – 50 pounds per day with an internal drain pump and a 25 pound removable bin, at the cost of genuine operating noise.
Best drainless install: COTLIN 15 inch drainless ice maker – No drain pipe and no plumber, 22 pounds of crescent ice storage, and a 42 pound daily ceiling that suits everyday households.
Best premium ice quality: Scotsman CU50PA-1A – Crystal-clear semi-conical gourmet cubes that melt slowly and carry no odor, in a 26 pound bin with a pump drain and cord.
Best quiet operation: COSTWAY 110 lbs/24H ice maker – 110 pounds per day with a 25 pound bin, three thickness settings and a built-in water filter, and owners describe it as not disturbing the kitchen.
Best commercial-grade for home: Mountman 110 lbs/24H ice maker – 110 pounds daily and a 33 pound bin with a removable water filter, one-touch self-cleaning and under-counter or freestanding placement.
Most reliable long term: EdgeStar 15 inch 15 lb/day built-in – 15 pounds a day, a 24.88 inch height and no drain line, with owners reporting service lives of 9 to 10-plus years.
Undercounter Ice Makers in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker 100 lbs/24H |
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| EUHOMY 15 Inch Under Counter Ice Maker |
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| VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker 100 lbs/24h |
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 Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker 100 lbs/24H |
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 ICYGLEE Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump |
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 Scotsman CU50PA-1A Gourmet Cube Ice Maker |
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 ICEVIVAL Commercial Ice Maker 84 lb/Day |
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 COTLIN 15 Inch Drainless Ice Maker |
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 COSTWAY 15 Inch Commercial Ice Maker |
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 Mountman Commercial Ice Maker 110 lbs/24H |
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 EdgeStar 15 Inch 15 lb/Day Built-In |
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 EdgeStar IB450SSP 50 lb/Day Clear Ice Maker |
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Check Latest Price |
Every machine in that table is genuinely under-counter capable, but they fall into two groups. Nine are commercial-style machines built for a utility room, garage or bar, and three are sized for a 15 inch kitchen cabinet. One of those three, the COTLIN, skips the drain entirely.
Before you fall for a number, check the drain type. Six of these machines drain by gravity alone, four use an electric drain pump, and two are drainless. That single line in the specification decides whether you need a plumber before you ever unbox the machine.
1. EUHOMY 100 lbs/24H Commercial Ice Maker – Best Overall With a 33 lb Bin
EUHOMY Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H Stainless Steel Under Counter ice Machine with 33lbs Ice Storage Capacity, Freestanding Ice Maker.
100 lbs per 24 hours
33 lb storage bin
ETL certified home and commercial
R290a refrigerant
Pros
- Most reviewed machine in the group at over 4000 ratings
- 45 cubes per cycle in 11-15 minutes
- 33 lb bin holds a real party supply
- Adjustable ice thickness on the LCD panel
- One-touch automatic cleaning cycle
Cons
- Gravity drainage only with no pump included
- Cubes can drop as a connected sheet that resists breaking
- Some owners report pump or unit failure inside the first year
Out of everything we looked at, this is the machine we would put in a garage bar. It is rated at 100 pounds of ice per 24 hours and drops 45 cubes every 11 to 15 minutes, which is fast enough to refill a large cooler while guests are still arriving. At 33 pounds, the bin is tied for the largest in this roundup, and that is the number that matters when a party starts at 8pm and nobody is scooping ice into cups.
The build is a full stainless steel shell with an LCD control panel that shows ambient temperature and lets you dial the ice thickness. It runs on R290a refrigerant, pulls 198 watts, and carries ETL certification for both household and commercial use, so it will not raise eyebrows if you ever use it in a small bar setting. The one-touch cleaning function runs the pump through a cycle without you pulling any panels apart.
Reviewers are near-unanimous on output. The most common praise is that the ice arrives faster than expected and the bin holds enough for a full weekend without refilling. Adjustable thickness gets called out as the feature people did not expect to care about, until they made thick cubes for slow drinks and thin ones for cocktails.
The catch is drainage, and it is not a small one. There is no drain pump in the box, so you need a floor drain or a gravity outlet that sits below the machine outlet. Owner reports also describe cubes dropping as a connected sheet that does not always break apart cleanly, and a minority of buyers report a pump or the whole unit failing within the first year, with support hard to reach. Plan on standing the unit upright for 24 hours before first power-on so the refrigerant settles, then run two self-clean cycles.
Where it earns its spot in a home
This is the one to buy if you entertain seriously or run a home bar in a garage, basement, or pool house. The 33 pound bin means you are not topping up every twenty minutes, and the 100 pound daily ceiling means a hot July weekend in a garage will not max it out. The stainless exterior also survives a dusty utility space better than a residential built-in would.
It also suits anyone who wants the option of running it as a freestanding unit and moving it later. Nothing in the design forces it into cabinetry, which is unusual for a machine this size.
Where it will frustrate you
A standard 15 inch kitchen cabinet is out. The footprint is 17.52 inches wide by 15.96 inches deep and 31.3 inches tall, and it weighs 66.6 pounds, so this is a two-person lift. The gravity-only drain also rules it out for a wet bar with no floor drain underneath, which is where most people first want to put one.
If your heart is set on a low-profile counter with no floor drain, skip to the drainless and drain-pump machines later in this list.
2. EUHOMY 15 Inch Under Counter Ice Maker – Best Value in a 15 Inch Cabinet
EUHOMY 15″ Under Counter Ice Maker, 90lbs/24H, 24lb Bin, Gravity Drainage
90 lbs per 24 hours
24 lb storage container
14.96 inch width
Reversible stainless door
Pros
- Compact 15 inch width fits standard cabinets and bars
- 40 clear cubes every 11-20 minutes
- Three-layer housing slows melting
- 24-hour timer plus self-cleaning cycle
- Responsive warranty replacement reported by buyers
Cons
- Repeat pump failures reported within 8-12 months
- Gravity drain pipe must run below the machine outlet
- Cubes can drop as a connected sheet
This is the machine we recommend when the cabinet is already built and the opening is 15 inches wide. The body measures 14.96 inches wide, so it clears a standard base cabinet opening where a 15.75 inch commercial machine will not. Despite the narrow footprint it still manages 90 pounds of ice a day and a 24 pound storage container.
It runs 40 clear cubes every 11 to 20 minutes depending on the cube size you select. The stainless door mounts on either side, so you can put the hinge where your cabinet opening allows, and adjustable feet handle uneven floors. A 24-hour timer schedules start and stop, and holding the Timer Clean button for five seconds runs the self-cleaning cycle.
Owners highlight the compact footprint first and the ice quality second. Several buyers pair it with a reverse osmosis filter and describe the result as noticeably cleaner tasting ice. The three-layer housing gets credit for cubes that hold their shape longer in the bin than cheaper single-wall units, which matters because the bin is not a freezer.
Reliability is where the complaints cluster. Multiple reviewers describe the pump failing somewhere between eight and twelve months, and some found reaching a human support agent difficult, though several also report the brand replacing a failed unit under warranty. The connected-sheet cube drop shows up here too, and the drain pipe still has to be routed below the machine outlet.
Why the 15 inch width is the whole point
Almost every cabinet in a standard American kitchen has a 15 inch or 18 inch base opening, and it is filled with a door and face frame. A machine that measures 15.75 or 15.96 inches wide needs cabinet modification or a freestanding spot. This one, at 14.96 inches, slides in without touching the door frame.
The depth of 20.39 inches also leaves room for the water line and drain hose behind it in a typical 24 inch deep cabinet, which is not always true of the deeper commercial machines.
What to watch after the first year
Because the pump is the weak link in the owner reports, budget for one service call in the life of the machine or keep your receipt handy for a warranty claim. The one-year manufacturer warranty covers the machine, and the responsive replacement experiences we read suggest the brand does honor it when you reach them.
Ask yourself whether you will actually use 90 pounds of ice a day. If not, the smaller EdgeStar later in this list costs less to own and needs no drain at all.
3. VEVOR 100 lbs/24h Commercial Ice Maker – Best Budget High-Output Machine
VEVOR Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100 lbs/24h with 16-30 lbs Storage Capacity, Built-in/Freestanding/Under Counter, Stainless Steel Ice Maker with LED Display & Self-Cleaning, Home Bar Restaurant
100 lbs per day output
30 lb maximum bin
36 cubes in 8-10 minutes
LED display with self-cleaning
Pros
- Fastest cycle time in this group at 8-10 minutes
- Generous 30 lb maximum bin with a 16 lb ice-full light
- ETL certified foam insulation holds ice 6-8 hours when off
- Stainless construction and a metal scoop included
- Water and drain connections are simple
Cons
- No water filter included
- Noticeably loud and unsuited to open living space
- Ice melts quickly in warm conditions
VEVOR packs a lot of machine into a small envelope. It makes 36 cubes in 8 to 10 minutes, which is the fastest harvest cycle we found, and it holds a 30 pound maximum bin with a 16 pound ice-full indicator so you know when production pauses. The claim of 600-plus drinks a day is not far-fetched at that cycle rate.
At 15.75 inches wide and 29.88 inches tall it is one of the more compact commercial units, and it weighs 43 pounds, so it moves without a crew. Cyclopentane foam insulation under a stainless steel skin means the ice stays frozen for 6 to 8 hours even with the power off, and the LED panel handles ambient temperature, timer, self-cleaning and fault alerts in one place.
Reviewers consistently call the value hard to argue with, and several run it outdoors under a canopy for events. Setup is a water inlet and a drain hose, nothing exotic. Cube thickness is adjustable across 0.87 inch clear squares, and the interior light and stainless scoop feel more considered than the sticker price suggests.
Three things come up repeatedly. There is no water filter in the box, so you need to buy one separately and change it on schedule. Ice melts faster than some buyers expect in warm conditions, which is a function of a non-freezer bin, not a fault. And owners describe the machine as noticeably loud, which makes it a poor choice anywhere you can hear it from a living space.
Best placed outside the living area
This machine shines in a covered patio, a garage, or a bar area where a compressor hum will not carry through the house. The noise complaint we read most often is specifically about open-plan living spaces, so treat the placement as a feature, not a compromise.
It also works for anyone who wants to try commercial output without committing cabinet space, since it installs freestanding on four screw-in feet as easily as it tucks under a counter.
What the low drain outlet means for you
The drain outlet sits low on the body, so if your waste line cannot reach it without climbing, you will need a small pump. Several owners who thought they were buying a simple gravity install ended up adding one. Check the height of your drain before ordering, and note that a minority of units failed within a few months.
Switching between tap water and bottled water mode is also awkward and poorly documented, so plan to commit to one supply.
4. Mojgar 100 lbs/24H Commercial Ice Maker – Best for a Three-Step Setup
Mojgar Commercial Ice Maker Machine, 100lbs/24H with 18-33lbs Ice Storage
100 lbs per day output
18-33 lb storage bin
R290a compressor
Front venting for built-in use
Pros
- Documented three-step install with a half inch threaded faucet
- First ice in 10-18 minutes
- One-touch self-cleaning with lid-activated LED
- 12-month machine and 36-month compressor warranty
- Heavy duty rust-proof stainless body
Cons
- Gravity drainage only with no drain pump included
- Bin is not a freezer so stored ice softens
- Requires a half inch male threaded water connection
The Mojgar is refreshingly honest about installation. It ships with a water inlet hose, a drain hose and a scoop, and the manual spells out three connections: a half inch male threaded faucet, a drain hose to a floor drain, and power. No measuring, no guessing where the drain outlet ends up.
Ice output is 100 pounds per day with a first batch in 10 to 18 minutes, and the bin holds between 18 and 33 pounds, which owners translate to supply for 200-plus cold drinks. At 15.1 by 15.7 by 29 inches with front venting, it works as a built-in or freestanding unit and is one of the shorter machines here at 29 inches tall.
What stands out in the owner feedback is the warranty. A 12-month full-machine warranty backed by a 36-month compressor warranty is longer than anything else in this group, and reviewers mention support that answers around the clock. The stainless body and food-grade interior components hold up well, and the R290 compressor is claimed to improve efficiency by up to 30 percent.
The limitations are the familiar ones. Gravity drainage means a floor drain has to exist, and no pump is included. The bin is insulated, not refrigerated, so ice softens if it sits for hours without being used. And the machine has to stand upright for a full day before first use so the refrigerant settles.
Who this suits
If you are installing into a bar sink base with a nearby floor drain, this is the least ambiguous machine here. The three-step instruction set means a competent DIY installer has everything they need, and the front venting means you do not need side clearance in the cabinet.
It is also a good fit for a small office or break room where 100 pounds of daily ice is closer to what people actually use than in a two-person apartment.
Where the money goes on repairs
The 36-month compressor warranty is the meaningful one, because compressors are the expensive part of any ice machine. Keep the model number CIM-360F handy when you contact support, and hold off on plumbing until you have confirmed the unit is running.
Just be clear-eyed about the drain: a floor drain is a hard requirement, and there is no pump to fall back on.
5. ICYGLEE 100 lbs Daily Ice Maker with Drain Pump – Best for Drain Pump Installs
ICYGLEE Commercial Under Counter Ice Maker with Drain Pump, 100Lbs Daily
100 lbs per day output
24 lb bin
Built-in electric drain pump
Three-layer insulation
Pros
- Electric drain pump removes wastewater without relying on gravity
- 8-16 minute cycles with 100 lb daily output
- LCD panel warns on water shortage and full bin
- Reversible door and adjustable cube thickness
- Auto-clean cycle and 24-hour timer
Cons
- Drain pipe still best routed below the machine drain
- 14.96 inch width and 33.9 inch height limit cabinetry
- 24 lb bin ice still softens since it is not a freezer
The ICYGLEE solves the single problem that ruins most undercounter installs: where the waste water goes. The electric drain pump moves meltwater out on its own, so you are not dependent on finding a floor drain at exactly the right height. For a wet bar, an outdoor kitchen, or a cabinet with an awkward waste line, that is worth more than a few extra pounds of bin capacity.
It still makes 100 pounds of clear ice a day in 8 to 16 minute cycles, and the three-layer insulation and efficient compressor keep the cubes clear. Cube thickness is a button, not a menu, so you can move from smoothie cubes to whisky-sized ice in seconds.
Owner feedback treats the drain pump as the headline, followed by the LCD panel, which flags water shortage and a full bin instead of leaving you to guess. The 24-hour timer and the five-second clean-button press reduce the daily effort, and the reversible door and included scoop are practical touches. Several buyers also cite the 14.96 inch width as the reason it fits where wider machines do not.
What nobody should ignore: the drain pipe still wants to be routed below the machine drain for the best result, and the 33.9 inch height is one of the tallest units here. A 33 inch opening under a counter is common, but a 32 inch ADA-height counter is not, so check before you commit.
When a drain pump is worth paying for
A pump matters when your waste line is above the machine, when the nearest drain is more than a foot away, or when the cabinet has no floor drain at all. It also gives you flexibility to move the machine later without touching the plumbing. In those three situations, this machine removes a real install risk.
It is also a good pick for an outdoor kitchen or a second residence, where an appliance that cannot be plumbed easily to a floor drain is a liability.
The height check nobody does
Measure the vertical opening before ordering, not after. At 33.9 inches tall, this unit needs a taller opening than the 29.88 inch VEVOR or the 29 inch Mojgar, and that difference decides whether you are building a cabinet or modifying one.
The bin is insulated rather than refrigerated, so treat the 24 pound rating as a working supply you draw from regularly, not a stockpile you can set up days in advance.
6. Scotsman CU50PA-1A – Premium Pick for Clear Gourmet Cubes
Scotsman CU50PA-1A Undercounter Ice Maker, Gourmet Cube, Air Cooled, Pump Drain with Cord, 115V/60/1-ph, 14.4 Amp (15 Amp Circuit Required), 14.9″ Width x 22″ Diameter x 34.4″ Height
Crystal-clear semi-conical gourmet cubes
26 lb bin
Pump drain with cord
Requires a 15 amp circuit
Pros
- Distinctive clear semi-conical cubes that melt slowly and carry no odor
- Large 26 lb bin refills quickly
- Approved for outdoor use
- Front venting lowers overheating risk
- Scotsman parts remain available long term
Cons
- Very loud during pumping and the ice drop
- Requires plumbing plus a 15 amp circuit
- Repairs on a commercial machine are hard to arrange at home
- 100 lb unit is not a casual DIY install
Almost everything else on this list makes square or crescent cubes. The CU50PA-1A makes a crystal-clear, semi-conical gourmet cube that is the ice you order at a bar, and owners describe it as slow melting and odorless, which means it will not water down a whiskey or a gimlet. The bin holds 26 pounds and refills quickly.
Mechanically it is a different animal from the rest of this roundup. It is air cooled with a pump drain and cord, runs on 115 volts at 14.4 amps, and needs a 15 amp circuit. The body is stainless steel, front venting is used instead of rear venting to cut overheating risk, and the control panel reports water condition so you know when the supply is going bad.
The ice itself is the reason to buy it, and reviewers are consistent about that. The cube shape reads as premium, it holds up in a clear drink, and outdoor approval means a pool house or patio bar is a legitimate location. A further plus for anyone planning to keep this machine for a decade is that Scotsman replacement parts are expected to stay available long term, which is not something we can say for most of the machines here.
Noise is the dominant drawback. Owners describe the pump and the ice drop as audible over conversation and over a television, and several relocated the unit to a laundry room or basement. On top of that, the machine needs plumbing and a dedicated 15 amp circuit, weighs 100 pounds, and some authorised technicians will decline to install a brand-new unit. Repairs at home can be awkward on a commercial-grade machine.
What makes the gourmet cube worth it
Shape changes the drink. A semi-conical cube presents less surface area than a square, so it dilutes more slowly, and the clarity means you can see the glass. If you make whiskey drinks, gin and tonics, or anything served on the rocks, this is the machine that changes how the drink tastes.
The 26 pound bin also holds more than most residential built-ins, so it works for entertaining as well as for daily use.
Plan the room around the noise
This is not a machine for an open kitchen next to a seating area. Treat noise as a placement constraint the same way you would treat a required drain, and put it in a space where the ice drop is a feature rather than an intrusion.
Confirm the 15 amp circuit and budget for a professional install. At 100 pounds, this is a two-person-plus lift with a plumbing stub, and a botched DIY install on a machine like this tends to end in a flooded cabinet.
7. ICEVIVAL 84 lb/Day Ice Maker – Best for Flexible Placement
Commercial Ice Maker, 84 Lb/Day, 25 Lb Storage, Under Counter
84 lbs per day output
25 lb storage bin
External electric drain pump
R600a refrigerant
Pros
- External drain pump frees placement from needing a floor drain
- Batches ready in 8-16 minutes
- Self-cleaning cycle and 24-hour timer with clear LCD controls
- Reversible door and adjustable feet
- Some owners report fast replacement parts
Cons
- Error code E2 reported by multiple buyers who then got no ice
- Manual restart required after a power blip or outage
- Loose compressor screws reported on arrival
- 25 lb bin is not a freezer
The ICEVIVAL is the machine we would pick for a second home, a rental, or a bar where the drain location is unknown until the cabinet is open. The external electric drain pump moves wastewater without a gravity fall, and the pump lives outside the cabinet, so the machine itself is not competing for space beneath the sink.
Output is 84 pounds per day with each batch ready in 8 to 16 minutes, and the bin holds 25 pounds. The LCD panel shows water shortage and ice-full indicators, the door is reversible, and a five-second press on the Clean button runs the automatic cycle. A 24-hour timer lets you schedule production so it is not running while you are away.
Owners like the controls and the speed. One long-term buyer reports more than a year of reliable operation, and several mention the brand shipping replacement parts quickly. The stainless body at 20.38 by 14.98 by 33.89 inches works as a built-in or freestanding install.
The recurring problem is error code E2, which several buyers reported on units that then never produced a single cube. The most actionable complaint is behavioural: the machine must be manually restarted after any power interruption before it will make ice again. If you are installing this where outages or breaker trips are common, put a restart in your routine. A few units also arrived with loose screws on the compressor, so check that before you plumb it.
Where an external pump genuinely helps
When the drain is high, distant, or simply unavailable, an external pump removes the single biggest install blocker. It also means you can move the machine later without touching the waste line, which is a real advantage in a rental or a space you may reconfigure.
It pairs well with an outdoor kitchen or a beverage station where the ice is the point rather than a side feature.
How to live with a manual restart
Decide in advance where the reset is. Some owners pair a smart plug or a simple check-in with their evening routine so an outage does not turn into a day of no ice. Confirming the unit after a storm is cheap compared with discovering a full bin of slush the morning after a party.
Also inspect the compressor screws on arrival, run it for 20 minutes before connecting any plumbing, and treat the 25 pound bin as a working supply.
8. COTLIN 15 Inch Drainless Ice Maker – Best for No-Plumbing Installs
COTLIN 15″ W Drainless Under Counter Ice Maker with 22LBS Storage Bin
Drainless design with no plumber needed
42 lbs per day
22 lb crescent ice bin
14.9 inch width
Pros
- No drain pipe and no plumber required for the install
- Crescent shaped slow melting ice praised for drinks
- Reversible door and adjustable feet
- ETL certified stainless body that feels premium
- Multiple buyers report a 30-minute install
Cons
- First full bucket can take up to 24 hours
- Weak door seal that can bounce open and warm the bin
- Heat builds up around the unit when cabinet mounted
- Daily output is well below the commercial units
The COTLIN answers the question no editorial competitor bothers with: what is the best drainless undercounter ice maker? This one. There is no drain pipe, no floor drain, and no plumber in the install. You connect a water supply, plug it in, and you are making ice. Buyers report completing the install in about 30 minutes.
It holds 22 pounds of ice in a bin held between 26.6 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is what makes the drainless design work. The ice is a distinctive crescent shape that owners describe as slow melting and good tasting, and the brushed stainless door feels notably heavier gauge than machines at this level usually do.
The decisive advantage is obvious once you live with it. If your cabinet has no waste line, every other machine on this list becomes a plumbing project with a permit and a contractor, and most of them will not fit your opening anyway. The COTLIN is 14.9 inches wide, so it clears a 15 inch cabinet, and the door hinges and feet are reversible and adjustable to suit the layout.
The catch list is real. The first full bucket can take up to 24 hours because the machine has to cool down before it freezes properly, so this is not a same-party-same-day machine. Owners also report a weak door seal that can bounce back open slightly and let the bin warm, and heat building up around the unit when it is cabinet mounted, which shows up as a warm spot on the counter above.
Who should buy a drainless machine
Drainless is the right answer in a rental, an older home with no nearby waste line, a basement bar built on a concrete slab, or any spot where running a new drain is more expensive than the machine itself. It is also the only realistic option for a wet bar island with no plumbing in the floor.
Just size your expectations correctly. 42 pounds a day is an everyday household number, not an event number.
What to plan around
Give it its own 24 hours before you plan a gathering, and check the door seal periodically because a bin that sits slightly ajar warms the whole compartment. Mounting matters too: owners report noticeable heat around the unit, so leave clearance and avoid a fully enclosed cabinet with no airflow.
Defrosting means switching it off for a few hours, which is another good reason to run it on a schedule rather than continuously.
9. COSTWAY 110 lbs/24H Ice Maker – Best for Quiet Operation
COSTWAY 15″ Under Counter Commercial Ice Maker, 110Lbs/24H, Silver+Black
110 lbs per day output
25 lb bin
Built-in water filter
Three ice thickness settings
Pros
- 110 lb daily output
- tied for the highest here
- Owners describe it as quiet enough not to disturb the kitchen
- Built-in water filter connects directly to tap water
- Three thickness settings plus a 1-23 hour reservation timer
- Reversible door and 3-layer housing
Cons
- Ice does not stay frozen long in an unrefrigerated cabinet
- Cubes run smaller than some buyers expected
- Some units arrived damaged with internal water line leaks
- Still requires a waste water line or pump
Two numbers make the COSTWAY stand out. First, 110 pounds of ice per day, tied with the Mountman for the highest output figure in this roundup, with 40 cubes every 12 to 15 minutes. Second, and more unusual, a built-in water filter in the box, so you can connect to tap water without a separate filter purchase.
At 15 by 21.1 by 33.7 inches with front ventilation, it installs under a counter or freestands. The panel gives you three ice thickness settings, thin at 12 minutes, medium at 15, thick at 18, and a reservation timer settable from 1 to 23 hours. A two-second hold on the cleaning button runs three pump cycles.
Reviewers repeatedly call it fast, quiet and easy to hook up, and several run it in a small restaurant or an office break room. The self-cleaning cycle and the built-in filter meaningfully cut the maintenance burden compared with machines that ship without a filter. A blue interior light and the stainless finish look good enough for a visible bar.
The main caveat is the one that applies to every machine with a non-freezer bin: ice stored in an unrefrigerated cabinet melts faster than expected, and the cubes come out a little smaller than some buyers pictured. A small number of units arrived from the factory with internal water line leaks, and return handling in those cases was difficult, so test the machine thoroughly before committing to an install.
Why quietness changes the decision
Noise is the reason most people end up putting an ice maker in a basement instead of the kitchen. Owners of this machine describe it as not disturbing the kitchen at all, which is unusual feedback for a machine in this class. That makes it viable for a kitchen island or a bar you actually sit at, not just a utility room.
Because it is 33.7 inches tall, check the opening height before you commit, and leave room in the 21.1 inch depth for the water and drain lines.
Know what you are buying into
It still needs a waste water line or a pump, despite the filter. Plan the drain with the same care as any other machine here, and remember that the bin will not hold ice for a week in a warm cabinet.
If a factory leak does happen, document it with photos before assembly, because the return experience is the harder part.
10. Mountman 110 lbs/24H Ice Maker – Best for High Output in a Small Footprint
Mountman Commercial Ice Maker,110lbs/24H,36 Cubes in 14 Mins,Stainless Steel Ice Machine with 33lbs Storage Capacity,Self-Cleaning,Water Filter,Under Counter/Freestanding Ice Maker for Cafe,Home
110 lbs per day output
33 lb storage bin
36 cubes in 7-14 minutes
R290a refrigerant
Pros
- 110 lb daily output
- tied for the highest here
- 33 lb bin
- among the two largest here
- Cubes in 7-14 minutes with adjustable thickness
- Quiet compressor with ETL-certified energy savings
- One-touch self-cleaning and a removable water filter
Cons
- Bin is not a freezer so ice softens if left unused
- Requires both a water supply and a drain connection
- Fewer published owner reviews than established brands
The Mountman pairs 110 pounds of daily output with one of the two largest bins in this roundup, and it does it in a 15.16 by 15.75 by 29.88 inch footprint. That combination is the point: 110 pounds per day and 33 pounds of storage in a body that is under 30 inches tall, which is short enough for more cabinet openings than most commercial machines here.
It makes 36 clear cubes per batch in 7 to 14 minutes with adjustable thickness, and the LCD panel handles ambient temperature, cube size and automatic cleaning. The compressor is described as quiet, and one-touch self-cleaning plus a removable water filter keeps the maintenance list short.
Owners like the stainless build, the food-grade interior and the corrosion-resistant, moisture-repellent base, and the flexible under-counter or freestanding placement gets called out as practical. The removable water filter is a genuine convenience, since you can rinse it instead of buying replacements on a fixed schedule.
Be measured about the enthusiasm, though. This machine has a much smaller review base than the category leaders, so the positive consensus is less stress-tested, and a small sample makes a 4.5 average easier to produce by accident. It also needs both a water supply and a drain connection for continuous operation, and the bin is not a freezer.
Where the short body pays off
At 29.88 inches tall, this machine clears vertical openings that will not take the 33.9 inch ICEVIVAL or the 33.7 inch COSTWAY. If your cabinet is short but you still want commercial output, this is one of the few machines in the group that fits without modifying anything.
Front venting means you do not need side clearance, and it sits on adjustable feet, so a slightly uneven floor is not a problem.
Judge it on the small sample
With fewer than a hundred ratings, you are buying on design and specification rather than on a long history of field reports. We would want to see how it handles a year of daily use before recommending it over the better-documented alternatives in the same class.
Plan the drain like any other machine here, and treat the 33 pound bin as a supply you draw from rather than a freezer you stock.
11. EdgeStar 15 Inch 15 lb/Day Built-In – Best for Long-Term Reliability
EdgeStar 15 Inch 15 Lb/Day Built-In Ice Maker 12 Lb Bin – No Drain Required
15 lbs per day output
12 lb storage bin
No drain line required
Stainless steel built-in
Pros
- No drain line required
- only a water supply
- Long service life with owners reporting 6 to 9+ years
- Handles outdoor kitchens and temperature swings
- Updated version is quieter with a more durable tray
- EdgeStar support ships parts and arranges residential pickup
Cons
- Manual defrost every 2-3 months
- Newer version uses a plastic inlet hose
- Some units arrive with leaked refrigerant from shipping
- Bin and output are the smallest in this roundup
The EdgeStar IB121SS is the machine we would buy for an outdoor kitchen where the appliance has to survive weather, seasons, and a decade of service. Owners report units still freezing after six, nine, and even ten-plus years, and that longevity comes down to two things: a simple drainless design with fewer parts to fail, and a brand that still answers the phone.
It makes 15 pounds a day into a 12 pound bin and needs only a water supply line. At 17 by 14.94 by 24.88 inches it is the shortest machine in this roundup by a wide margin, so it fits under lower counters and tighter soffits, and it works built-in or on a countertop. The updated version runs quieter and uses a more durable tray than earlier models.
Support is the standout. EdgeStar has shipped parts free of charge and arranged residential pickup, which is exactly the service you want when an appliance lives outside in an outdoor kitchen. Owners also credit it with handling temperature swings that would bother a residential built-in.
The compromises are real. A manual defrost every two to three months is part of the ownership routine, and the newer version switched from a braided metal inlet hose to a plastic one. Some units arrive with leaked refrigerant from shipping, so run the machine for 20 minutes before you connect plumbing, and be aware that a few owners report a unit that runs cold but never produces ice. Buying from an unauthorised reseller can void the warranty.
Why output is not the whole story
Fifteen pounds a day sounds modest next to 100 pound machines, but it is plenty for a household that uses ice daily rather than in bulk. What you are really buying is a machine with a drainless install, a 24.88 inch height, and a service record that spans a decade rather than a couple of seasons.
It is the right pick for an outdoor kitchen, a vacation home, or a bar where reliability over time matters more than peak output.
The maintenance you are signing up for
Every two to three months, switch it off, open the door, and let it defrost, with towels inside for the meltwater. That is the trade for having no drain pump and no water-laden waste line to clog.
Keep the receipt and buy from an authorised seller, because the warranty depends on it, and test the unit before any permanent installation.
12. EdgeStar IB450SSP 50 lb/Day Clear Ice Maker – Best for Pool Houses and Basements
EdgeStar IB450SSP 50 lb. 15 Inch Wide Undercounter Clear Ice Maker with Drain Pump
50 lbs per day output
25 lb removable bin
Internal drain pump
R134a refrigerant
Pros
- Empty to full bin in roughly 2-3 hours
- Internal drain pump removes reliance on a gravity drain
- Restaurant-quality clear cubed ice
- Blue interior light and flush stainless base
- Frequently praised as strong value against premium commercial units
Cons
- Very loud
- audible over a television
- Ice comes out in sheets that must be broken apart by hand
- Beep about every two weeks requires a manual restart
- One owner returned to a floor puddle after a shutdown
- Adjustable legs raise the unit only about 1 inch
This is the pick when you want restaurant-quality clear cubes and genuine commercial-class output without stepping up to a full-service machine. It makes up to 50 pounds a day, filling the 25 pound bin in roughly two to three hours, and the internal drain pump means you are not relying on a gravity fall. Owners pair it with reverse osmosis filtration and describe the ice as tasting clean.
The construction is genuinely commercial in feel: a commercial-grade stainless door, a removable ice bin, computerized controls, a reversible door, adjustable leveling legs and an included scoop. The 4.5 foot drain hose has to reach the drain, and the unit must sit within 4.5 feet of it. At 32.8 by 15 by 23.6 inches, it is tall but narrow.
This is the lowest-rated machine in our group, and opinions are sharply split for a reason. Owners who put it in a basement or pool room love the output-to-price ratio and the straightforward pump hookup. The blue interior light and flush stainless base give it a higher-end look than the price suggests, and owners frequently compare the value favorably against commercial units costing far more.
Noise is the deciding factor for most people. Owners describe it as sounding like baseballs dropping into a plastic bucket, audible over a television. The ice also comes out in sheets that must be broken apart by hand, a loud beep appears about every two weeks and needs a manual restart, and one owner came home to a large floor puddle after the unit shut off and stopped draining. The leveling legs raise the body only about an inch, so you may need shims to close the gap under the counter.
Where the noise is a feature
In a pool house, a basement bar, or a detached garage, a machine that sounds like a commercial ice machine is exactly what you want. Fifty pounds a day with a two to three hour refill is the kind of output that keeps a hot tub bar or a party patio supplied without anyone watching the bin.
The pump drain and the 25 pound removable bin make it straightforward to run in a space where a floor drain already exists.
Why it earns the lowest rating
Read the reviews as a placement guide. The same machine that owners in utility rooms rate highly is one that owners in living spaces rate poorly, and the sheet-style ice, the fortnightly beep, and the flood report are the specific complaints to plan around.
Install by a licensed plumber as the manufacturer recommends, keep the unit within 4.5 feet of the drain, and shim the legs to close the gap under the counter. After-sales support and parts availability drew heavy criticism from some owners, so buy from an authorised seller.
How to Choose an Undercounter Ice Maker
Start with drainage, because it is the decision you cannot undo cheaply. Every undercounter machine needs a water supply line, and beyond that they split three ways. Gravity-drain machines need a floor drain or a waste outlet below the machine outlet. Drain-pump machines push the water out themselves. Drainless machines recirculate the meltwater and need no drain at all.
Two rules decide whether a gravity drain will work. The waste line has to be lower than the machine’s drain outlet, and it has to be within 12 inches of the machine. Miss either one and the machine will trickle wastewater into the cabinet and eventually flood it, which is the single most common install failure we see discussed in homeowner forums. As one installer put it, if these fail there is no way to keep the machine from trickling waste water into and then flooding out of the cabinet.
Next, size the output to how you actually use ice. A useful rule of thumb from the trade literature is 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per person, calculated against your peak service window rather than a whole evening. Six people at a dinner party need roughly 9 to 12 pounds, which a 25 pound bin covers comfortably. Thirty people at a summer party need closer to 60 pounds, and a 30 to 33 pound bin means you are producing throughout the event rather than stocking up in advance.
Then think about ice shape. Square hollow cubes are the default and are what ten of the twelve machines here produce. Crescent ice, like the COTLIN, is slow melting and looks good but runs at a lower daily output. Semi-conical gourmet cubes, like the Scotsman, are the premium option and come with a noise and circuit penalty. And a marketing warning worth repeating: many machines advertised as making nugget or pebble ice in a 15 inch cabinet actually produce crescent or bullet cubes, so read the shape description rather than the headline.
Fit is the last filter. Measure the width, the depth and the height of the opening, and allow extra depth behind the unit for the water line and the drain hose. Standard counters sit at 34 to 36 inches, so a machine at 29 to 30 inches tall fits easily, while a 33.9 inch unit needs a taller opening. If your counter is at the ADA height of 32 inches, look for a short machine or plan to use a floor mount kit.
Ventilation matters in a cabinet. Front-vented machines, including the VEVOR, the Mojgar and the COSTWAY, need no side clearance, which makes them far easier to install in a tight base cabinet. Rear-vented units need clear space on both sides and above, which frequently means removing a shelf.
Finally, budget for the running costs. The machine is the small part. Add a professional install with a new water line and drain stub, a replacement water filter if the machine does not ship with one, a descale or ice-machine cleaner supply, and electricity. Every machine here runs on R290, R290a, R600a or R134A, and the R290 models draw around 200 to 300 watts for commercial output while the residential built-ins sit in a similar range.
Drainage Explained: Gravity Drain vs Drain Pump vs Drainless
The drain is the most consequential choice on this page, so it is worth being precise about the three options.
Gravity drain means water leaves because it is downhill. The drain line must run lower than the machine’s outlet and stay within 12 inches of it. This is the simplest install, and it is what the EUHOMY 100 lb unit, the EUHOMY 15 inch unit, the Mojgar and the COSTWAY all assume. It is also the option that fails most often, because a line that runs uphill or too far simply backs up into the cabinet.
Built-in or external drain pump means an electric pump moves the wastewater for you, so the waste line can sit higher or further away. The ICYGLEE has a built-in pump, the ICEVIVAL ships with an external one, and the EdgeStar IB450SSP and the Scotsman CU50PA-1A both use pump drains. Homeowner discussions are dominated by drain pump clicking without moving water when the line below it is blocked, so a pump moves the constraint, it does not remove it.
Drainless means the machine collects and reuses its own meltwater, so you need only a water supply and power. The COTLIN 15 inch unit and the EdgeStar IB121SS both work this way. This is the answer for rentals, older homes, slab basements, and wet bar islands with no plumbing in the floor, and it is the only reason either of those machines can be installed in an afternoon.
For the question of whether an undercounter ice maker is worth it, the honest answer is that it is worth it if you use ice every day or host often enough that a countertop machine’s small bin becomes the bottleneck, and it is not worth it if you make a few drinks a week. Under-counter units run from about 15 to 110 pounds a day and hold 12 to 33 pounds at a time, and they free up counter space that a portable machine permanently occupies. What they add is a water line, a drain, and an electrical circuit, so the calculation is worth doing before you fall in love with a machine.
On noise, the category splits in two. Residential built-ins like the EdgeStar IB121SS are described as quiet enough for a normal kitchen, and the COSTWAY gets the same feedback. The commercial cube machines here are a different proposition: the VEVOR is described as noticeably loud, the EdgeStar IB450SSP as loud enough to hear over a television, and the Scotsman CU50PA-1A as audible during pumping and the ice drop. Plan a utility room, garage, or pool house for the commercial units and keep the kitchen for the residential ones.
Residential Built-In vs Commercial-Grade for Home Kitchens
The search results for this topic split into two halves that almost never talk to each other: residential built-in roundups and commercial machine guides. Reconciling them is the fastest way to make a better decision.
A residential built-in is sized for a 15 or 18 inch cabinet opening, produces 15 to about 50 pounds a day, and tends to be quieter and simpler to install. The EdgeStar IB121SS fits a tight opening and needs no drain, which is why it suits outdoor kitchens. The COTLIN is the other drainless option, with better output and crescent ice. If your cabinetry is already built and you are not modifying anything, these are your realistic candidates.
A commercial-grade machine produces 84 to 110 pounds a day, holds 24 to 33 pounds, and needs a 15 to 18 inch opening, a dedicated water line, a drain or pump, and enough clearance that you can hear it working. In exchange you get ice that never runs out and a stainless body built for constant duty. If you entertain in groups, run a pool house, or operate a small bar, that trade is clearly worth it.
Where a home buyer most often makes the mistake is buying commercial output for a household that uses 10 pounds of ice a week. You will pay for capacity, noise, and a plumbing project you did not need. Conversely, a 15 pound residential unit in a home bar will frustrate you the first time twenty people show up.
Whichever direction you go, budget for the full ownership picture rather than the machine alone: the water line and drain stub, any cabinet modification, a filter if one is not included, cleaning supplies, and the electrical circuit. Several of the commercial machines here draw between 198 and 600 watts and, in the Scotsman’s case, need a 15 amp circuit of their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the most reliable undercounter ice maker?
Reliability tracks the service record rather than the brand name. EdgeStar has the strongest longevity reputation here, with owners reporting residential built-ins still freezing after six, nine and even ten-plus years, plus parts and residential pickup support. Mojgar pairs a 12-month machine warranty with a 36-month compressor warranty, and VEVOR and EUHOMY have the largest review bases, though each carries recurring reports of pump failures within the first year. For long-term dependability, EdgeStar leads; for warranty length, Mojgar leads.
Is an undercounter ice maker worth it?
Yes, if you use ice daily or host often enough that a countertop machine’s small bin becomes the bottleneck. Under-counter units make roughly 15 to 110 pounds a day and hold 12 to 33 pounds, while freeing up counter space. The trade is a permanent water line, a drain or pump, and a dedicated electrical connection, so the install can cost more than the machine in a difficult cabinet.
What is the best ice making machine for home use?
For everyday household use, the EdgeStar IB121SS is the pick: 15 pounds a day, a 12 pound bin, a 24.88 inch height that fits almost any opening, and no drain line required. If you want more output in the same footprint, the COTLIN 15 inch drainless unit makes 42 pounds a day with 22 pounds of crescent ice storage. Both install without a plumber.
Do undercounter ice makers need drains?
They need a water supply line in every case, and most also need a way to remove meltwater. Gravity-drain models need a floor drain or waste outlet lower than the machine outlet and within 12 inches of it. Drain-pump models move the water themselves. Drainless models need no drain at all. Choose the drain type before you order, because it is the one install decision that is expensive to change later.
What is the best drainless undercounter ice maker?
The COTLIN 15 inch drainless ice maker is the strongest all-round choice, with 42 pounds of daily output, a 22 pound bin, crescent slow-melting ice and a brushed stainless body. It needs only a water supply and power, and buyers report a 30-minute install. The EdgeStar IB121SS is the alternative if longevity matters more than output, with owners reporting units still running after a decade.
Why is my portable ice maker leaking water from the bottom?
There are four usual causes. First, a blocked drain line, which stops the pump from moving water and is the most common issue. Second, a drain line that was not run lower than the machine’s outlet, so water backs up. Third, a machine that was not levelled, which tilts the overflow toward one side. Fourth, an internal leak from a loose water fitting, which shows up as water pooling under the cabinet rather than in the drip tray. Clear the line, re-level the unit and check the fittings before replacing anything.
How do I drain an under cabinet ice maker?
Turn the machine off at the wall and unplug it. Remove the ice bin and any removable ice tray, then locate the drain outlet on the machine body. Disconnect the drain hose and flush it with warm soapy water, working the hose through from the machine end to clear any blockage. Run the machine’s cleaning cycle once the hose is clear, reconnect it with a continuous fall toward the drain, and confirm there are no kinks or loops that trap water.
How much does it cost to install an undercounter ice maker?
Budget for three separate costs rather than the machine alone. You will need a new water supply line, usually run from the nearest plumbing point, and either a gravity drain stub or a pump. Cabinet modification is common, because many commercial machines are 20 inches deep and 30 to 34 inches tall. Some installations need a dedicated 15 amp circuit, as the Scotsman CU50PA-1A does. A plumber is strongly recommended for any machine with a pump drain, and no drain line at all if you choose a drainless model.
Can I put an ice maker in a 15 inch cabinet?
Usually, but only with the right width. Standard 15 inch openings hold machines up to about 14.96 inches wide, such as the EUHOMY 15 inch unit at 14.96 inches and the COTLIN at 14.9 inches. Machines at 15.75, 15.96 or 16 inches will hit the face frame and need a freestanding spot or a cabinet modification. Also check height: anything over 30 inches needs a tall opening, and 15 inch cabinets are often shorter than 30 inches of clear space.
How loud is an undercounter ice maker?
It depends entirely on the class. Residential built-ins such as the EdgeStar IB121SS and the COSTWAY are quiet enough for an open kitchen. Commercial cube machines are not: the VEVOR is described as noticeably loud, the EdgeStar IB450SSP as loud enough to hear over a television, and the Scotsman CU50PA-1A as audible during pumping and the ice drop. If noise matters in your space, buy residential or place a commercial unit in a garage, basement or pool house.
How much ice do I need for a party?
Plan on 1.5 to 2 pounds of ice per person, worked out against the peak hour rather than the whole event. Eight guests therefore need roughly 12 to 16 pounds, and twenty guests need 30 to 40 pounds. A 25 to 33 pound bin covers a small gathering comfortably, but for a large party you want a machine producing throughout the event rather than one you filled in advance, since the bin is insulated and not a freezer.
Do undercounter ice makers make nugget ice?
Rarely. Most under-counter units make square hollow cubes, and the 15 inch built-ins marketed as nugget or pebble machines frequently produce crescent or bullet cubes instead. A real nugget or pebble machine uses a different freezing method and a larger body. The Scotsman CU50PA-1A is the closest thing here to a premium shape, producing crystal-clear semi-conical gourmet cubes that melt slowly and carry no odor.
The Best Undercounter Ice Makers to Buy in 2026
The EUHOMY 100 lbs/24H commercial ice maker is the best overall pick in this roundup, with 100 pounds of daily output, a 33 pound bin that is tied for the largest here, and ETL certification that covers both home and commercial use. Its one real constraint is gravity-only drainage, so it belongs in a space with a floor drain rather than a standard kitchen cabinet.
For a cabinet that is already built at 15 inches, the EUHOMY 15 inch under counter ice maker is the value pick, giving up a little output for a footprint that actually fits. Where no drain exists at all, the COTLIN 15 inch drainless unit installs in about half an hour, and the EdgeStar IB121SS is the choice if you care more about a decade of service than daily production.
Whichever machine you pick, decide the drain type first, measure the opening twice, and budget for the plumbing as well as the appliance. If you are still weighing options, our guides to [best countertop ice makers](https://topgameserver.net/best-countertop-ice-makers/), [best nugget ice makers for home](https://topgameserver.net/best-nugget-ice-makers-for-home/), and [best portable ice makers](https://topgameserver.net/best-portable-ice-makers/) cover the other three formats worth comparing before you commit.